Shaw Wallace Ceylon, McLarens Holdings form JV to serve automotive sector

Two of Sri Lanka’s oldest companies — Shaw Wallace Ceylon Ltd., (subsidiary of Renuka Holdings PLC) and McLarens Holdings Ltd., signed  a joint venture agreement today (1 September) by forming McShaw Automotive Ltd., to create an island wide extensive automotive distribution channel.  

Shaw Wallace Ceylon Chairman Dr. S. R. Rajiyah (left) and McLarens Holdings Chairman R. De Silva signing the JV agreement for McShaw Automotive Ltd. Others from left are Shaw Wallace Ceylon Directors Shamindra Rajiyah, Shehara Jayawardana and Dinesh Jayawardana

The new joint venture, McShaw Automotive Ltd., aims to be the acknowledged market leader in the automotive sector in Sri Lanka excelling through global partnerships, innovation and technology while growing organically and by acquisition.
 The company will be actively focusing on its business sectors inherited from the joint venture partners which include distribution of lubricants, car care products, tyres and tubes, batteries, auto parts and automobile fleet management.
Speaking at the launch ceremony Shamindra Rajiyah, Joint Managing Director said, “The primary focus of McShaw Automotive Ltd is to provide the Sri Lankan automotive industry with a one stop solution for most automotive needs by supplying the best of products and services.
Proper maintenance alone is not sufficient to keep a vehicle in optimum running condition, the products and brands used also play a significant role and this is where we will be excelling in.”
Joint Managing Director and one of Sri Lanka’s well known racing personalities Dinesh Jayewardana added “As a racing enthusiast I know the importance of a well maintained vehicle for maximum output. The vast experience of McLarens and Shaw Wallace combined together and our collective expertise has resulted in forming McShaw Automotive Ltd.
Indeed a significant milestone in our organisations’ histories and in the Sri Lankan auto sector too. We will ensure that our clients get the best service and products.”
The company’s product portfolio includes Mobil automotive and industrial lubricants, Delphi Lockheed brake oil, Dunlop two wheeler tyres, Pioneer three wheeler tyres, Grip vehicle tubes and Cyclo car care products, some being  market leaders in their categories.
McShaw Automotive Ltd has a team of over 50 dedicated personnel in the automotive sector and will be covering the segments of key accounts, nominated dealers, direct dealers, franchise car dealers, service stations, fuel stations, retailers, spare part shops, individual workshops and franchise workshops.
Shaw Wallace Ceylon Ltd., is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest distribution firms in automotive products being the agent for Delphi Lockheed since 1927. The company is also a leader in distribution of FMCG and Food Service products.
 Renuka Holdings PLC the parent company, tracing is origins to the later part of the 19th century, is today a diversified conglomerate and is responsible for the strategic direction of the group.
It is also the holding company of subsidiaries engaged in the sectors of agri business (plantations, manufacturing, global marketing, forestry), investments, property and management services.
Mclarens Group, founded in 1944 and having over 70 years of experience in the shipping industry in Sri Lanka, is today a diversified conglomerate in the areas of shipping and marine services, logistics, lubricants, sports and leisure, property development, hotels and manufacturing.
The group has many successful joint ventures with and local representation for many global renowned companies.